*ARC provided by Netgalley for a honest review. Thankyou Thomas and Mercer.
Another great addition to the series, Movieland sees Eve and Duncan investigating a string of random s...
more
*ARC provided by Netgalley for a honest review. Thankyou Thomas and Mercer.
Another great addition to the series, Movieland sees Eve and Duncan investigating a string of random shootings, the latest of which results in a homicide. Eve is still her abrasive self but is left playing peace keeper when Duncan is inspired to fight crime the Eve Ronin way - irritating everyone, refusing to stick the scripted lines and valuing the truth over looking good - albeit with less life threatening injuries. It was highly amusing to see Eve getting a taste of her own medicine.
The crime was interesting and the mystery had me on the edge of my seat. Like the last three books, this was a solid and complex case with twists and turns and varied motivations. I loved that Duncan was busy leading the way in this one and I was distraught at this being the last book he features in. I was glad to find that won't be the case! He'll return! As per usual though he was food obsessed, although I was giggling at the idea of him visiting Eve strictly for the hospital jello.
I loved Jen and Duncan ganging up on Eve and I adored that this book demonstrated that there are actually positive aspects to Jen and Eve's relationship - the first three books leaned pretty heavily into the actress mother who was busy chasing fame and fortune trope. Jen is awesome, she cracks me up with her advice for Eve.
Eve still has a crap relationship with the police force but I liked that she made more of an effort in this one to play nice with her fellow detectives. Even if she sucks at it. It was pretty funny her congratulating Biddle and Garvey and then turning around and solving the case, proving them wrong and making them look terrible. But I did feel sorry for them too - I mean ever since Eve appears they've been getting shown up - even when they're busy trying to do solid police work. On the other hand they're pricks. True to form, she see-sawed between political savvy and total ignorance. Although she does better when running interference for Duncan - I would've liked to see more of that present in her own negotiations. But it was interesting to see her limitations and justifications.
Overall an enjoyable read, another solid addition to the series and unfortunately one more long wait for the next book. 4 stars.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for a honest review. Thankyou Thomas and Mercer.
I was thrilled to receive an ARC for this. I loved the first two books in the series and was shattered...
more
*ARC provided by Netgalley for a honest review. Thankyou Thomas and Mercer.
I was thrilled to receive an ARC for this. I loved the first two books in the series and was shattered to find the third book wouldn't be available for ten months. I was checking Netgalley weekly to see when the ARC's would be available and I was thrilled to be approved. And the book itself didn't disappoint.
Eve Ronin is back and raring to fight crime and give justice. Unfortunately her fellow officers still mostly don't like her, her superior officers definitely don't and the police department as a whole is ready to sacrifice her for public opinion. I like Eve a lot but she has zero social skills - she really needs to find a way to do her job and not piss off everyone she meets. Like the last two books it continued to annoy me that Eve still seesaws between political savvy and political ignorance. Fair enough if you don't want to play the game, but don't sit back and pretend you don't understand it.
Jen made a few appearances contributing her motherly wisdom - some of which was actually decent advice for all Eve dismisses her. I kind of want to see Jen create and take over Eve's social media accounts. I'm sure it'd be hysterical. Burnside also appears and I'd love to learn more about her. Duncan continued to be an amusing and steadfast partner. Duncan was more outspoken in this one, more willing to stand up for his beliefs and throw his weight behind Eve to get justice the closer he gets to retirement. It made for some interesting confrontations with their fellow and superior officers.
One thing that did irritate me was the focus on food. It felt like every time anything happened they had to stop and eat and make fat jokes. And frankly the cliche of the fat cop who eats and stains all their shirts got old fast. I could've done without.
The mystery though was fantastic. The plot was fast paced and complex and had me riveted. I guessed some parts and totally missed others. Everywhere Eve stepped there were clues and crimes and I was hooked. I loved Eve's dedication to slogging through video footage and crime reports and the way she worked towards solving the case.
Another fantastic addition to the series and I can't wait to read the next one.
I loved this even more than the first book. The mystery was just as good but this was a lot funnier as well. Eve and Duncan settled into a more comfortable banter and I'll be sorr...
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I loved this even more than the first book. The mystery was just as good but this was a lot funnier as well. Eve and Duncan settled into a more comfortable banter and I'll be sorry to see him retire. Eve's not much of a team player but I'm glad that she's starting to see there are people she could come to trust. Or something like that. I didn't see the twist at the end coming I sort of kept feeling that the serial numbers on their plates was important but couldn't quite get there. but it was extremely enjoyable nonetheless.
Eve is a great character. I liked that she was unwilling to compromise on justice but her hesitancy in playing politics annoyed me a bit - felt like a contradiction. I mean she leapfrogged everyone to get into homicide and it feels a bit like a betrayal to back away from that and say she's not interested or aware of politics - because that's a lie. On the other hand it was kind of pure Eve - she's a flawed individual with her own problems and insecurities and perceptions of what a good person should and shouldn't be - so maybe it actually fit her to a t. I liked that she was willing to own up to her mistakes and admit to not knowing things but trying her best to learn and adapt and improve. Besides Duncan sums her up best.
“But he didn’t. That’s all that matters. You’re always going to make mistakes in an investigation, especially when you’re new. It’s called ‘learning from experience.’ I’m not worried about your skills as a detective. You’ve got a gift. I’m worried about your skills as a person.” “You’re saying I’m a terrible person?”
“You’re not evil,” Duncan said. “You’re just self-destructive and not very likable.”
“Gee, thanks.”
Goldberg, Lee. Bone Canyon (Eve Ronin) (p. 263). Thomas & Mercer. Kindle Edition.
I liked her embrace her looks towards the end with the help of Burnside (who I also really liked) and will be interested to see where that goes in the next book. I did like that it was explained why she was so against the idea of a tv show - she doesn't want her parents to 'win' - if she does a show - they'll be involved and that's their dream - even though they've made her life hell. Frankly - I liked the pettiness of it. Eve tries to be a good person but she's not an angel - she has thoughts and feelings. I adored Jen (Eve's mother) and her meddling. Her ideas on acting and politics and Eve's behaviour is hilarious.
The mystery was interesting. For all Sabrina Morton is dead, Goldberg really sold her as a fully formed person. Eve put the phone away. “What did Sabrina do with the drawing?”
“She went to Topanga Beach, Surfrider Beach, Zuma . . . showing the tattoo to every surfer she could find, hoping somebody would give her a name. She was only at it an hour or so before a deputy got word somehow, pulled her over, and told her what she was doing was stupid and dangerous. Sabrina told him to fuck off, that if the cops weren’t going to do anything about it, she would,” Josie said, smiling at the memory. “That was Sabrina. But it was all bravado. She came home and cried for three hours. She felt helpless.”
Sabrina wasn’t helpless, Eve thought. Far from it. She was unwilling to be a silent victim and fought for herself, loud and strong, not just against her attackers, but against the detective who didn’t believe her.
Goldberg, Lee. Bone Canyon (Eve Ronin) (p. 66). Thomas & Mercer. Kindle Edition. Josie was sidelined a bit but she was also smart and cunning, even when she wasn't quite ready to face her attackers. Keeping her clothes as an insurance policy was brilliant.
Daniel was alright - the romance between them didn't escalate to extremes - they just like each other and progress as is. I liked that he was an anthropologist and his dedication to his job. I loved his suggestion of what to buy a five year old - a treasure hunting kit - hide some fake jewellery and gold, etc in the backyard and provide the kids with a sieve, bucket, shovel, etc for them to dig up. I've got to remember that for my niece and nephew.
Overall I just really enjoyed this addition to the series. I'm only disappointed the next book isn't out until October 2021. That's ages away. I was lucky I happened to pick up Lost Hills, the first book in the series, the day before Bone Canyon was released or I would have been very sad. Anyway, great book, highly recommend. 4.5 stars.
This was fantastic. I loved every minute. This was a great solid police procedural with an engaging cast of characters, an interesting plot and lots of action. I really liked Eve....
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This was fantastic. I loved every minute. This was a great solid police procedural with an engaging cast of characters, an interesting plot and lots of action. I really liked Eve. She was dedicated, caring and ambitious - she wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted or to use every advantage in order to get it. And I really liked that she was unapologetic about it too. She did still have insecurities but for the most part she was confident and unwavering.
The mystery itself was riveting. I didn't see the end coming and it had me chuckling. She ends up going viral again with new footage - this time of her escaping the wildfire with a broken wrist and child. Between that and the first video - awesome! The film industry aspect of the town was really interesting. Her mother, Jen is hilarious. “I really don’t have time for this, Mom. You saw the news. I’m in the middle of a homicide investigation.” “I’m well aware of what you’re doing. I was on the FBI’s Criminal Behavior Task Force.” “You wore an FBI windbreaker and stood in the background on a Criminal Minds episode. It’s not the same thing.” “It still haunts me,” she said.
Goldberg, Lee. Lost Hills (Eve Ronin Book 1) (p. 53). Kindle Edition. I liked Lisa (the sister) and Duncan (her partner).
I loved when Eve stood up for herself against Biddle and Garvey. I think it was my favourite scene. “When did we become a task force? And when did it become mine?”
“After Sheriff Lansing saw you on the news last night,” Duncan said.
“Translation,” Biddle said. “You get to run the task force because you’re young, you have nice tits, and were in a viral video that got great PR for the department in the middle of the county jail shitstorm.” Garvey added, “As opposed to one of the detectives who’ve actually spent years grinding away and solving homicides and know what the fuck they’re doing.”
“Stop whining. This isn’t new,” she said, getting in his face. “That’s the way you’ve felt since I walked in the door three months ago.”
Garvey wasn’t intimidated. “What did you expect? A standing ovation from the guys who actually earned their promotions?”
“No, Tubbs, this is exactly what I expected.” Eve stepped away from him and shifted her gaze between the three men. “Because it’s the same sexist attitude that would have shut me out of Robbery-Homicide for another ten years . . . and that I still would have faced if I ever got in. So I used the leverage that video gave me to get myself here overnight. Did I leapfrog over people who’ve been struggling to get into Robbery-Homicide for years and haven’t made it? Yes, I did. Do I care? Nope. Do I deserve to be here? It doesn’t matter because here I am, boys. You don’t like it? Too bad. Suck it up or get out. I’m sure the sheriff will give me two other detectives to replace you. They might even stay.”
The whole book wasn't perfect, but it was pretty damn good. A fantastic police procedural and start to a new series. 4 stars.
Another great addition to the series, Movieland sees Eve and Duncan investigating a string of random s...
Another great addition to the series, Movieland sees Eve and Duncan investigating a string of random shootings, the latest of which results in a homicide. Eve is still her abrasive self but is left playing peace keeper when Duncan is inspired to fight crime the Eve Ronin way - irritating everyone, refusing to stick the scripted lines and valuing the truth over looking good - albeit with less life threatening injuries. It was highly amusing to see Eve getting a taste of her own medicine.
The crime was interesting and the mystery had me on the edge of my seat. Like the last three books, this was a solid and complex case with twists and turns and varied motivations. I loved that Duncan was busy leading the way in this one and I was distraught at this being the last book he features in.
I loved Jen and Duncan ganging up on Eve and I adored that this book demonstrated that there are actually positive aspects to Jen and Eve's relationship - the first three books leaned pretty heavily into the actress mother who was busy chasing fame and fortune trope. Jen is awesome, she cracks me up with her advice for Eve.
Eve still has a crap relationship with the police force but I liked that she made more of an effort in this one to play nice with her fellow detectives. Even if she sucks at it.
Overall an enjoyable read, another solid addition to the series and unfortunately one more long wait for the next book. 4 stars.
I was thrilled to receive an ARC for this. I loved the first two books in the series and was shattered...
I was thrilled to receive an ARC for this. I loved the first two books in the series and was shattered to find the third book wouldn't be available for ten months. I was checking Netgalley weekly to see when the ARC's would be available and I was thrilled to be approved. And the book itself didn't disappoint.
Eve Ronin is back and raring to fight crime and give justice. Unfortunately her fellow officers still mostly don't like her, her superior officers definitely don't and the police department as a whole is ready to sacrifice her for public opinion. I like Eve a lot but she has zero social skills - she really needs to find a way to do her job and not piss off everyone she meets. Like the last two books it continued to annoy me that Eve still seesaws between political savvy and political ignorance. Fair enough if you don't want to play the game, but don't sit back and pretend you don't understand it.
Jen made a few appearances contributing her motherly wisdom - some of which was actually decent advice for all Eve dismisses her. I kind of want to see Jen create and take over Eve's social media accounts. I'm sure it'd be hysterical. Burnside also appears and I'd love to learn more about her. Duncan continued to be an amusing and steadfast partner. Duncan was more outspoken in this one, more willing to stand up for his beliefs and throw his weight behind Eve to get justice the closer he gets to retirement. It made for some interesting confrontations with their fellow and superior officers.
One thing that did irritate me was the focus on food. It felt like every time anything happened they had to stop and eat and make fat jokes. And frankly the cliche of the fat cop who eats and stains all their shirts got old fast. I could've done without.
The mystery though was fantastic. The plot was fast paced and complex and had me riveted. I guessed some parts and totally missed others. Everywhere Eve stepped there were clues and crimes and I was hooked. I loved Eve's dedication to slogging through video footage and crime reports and the way she worked towards solving the case.
Another fantastic addition to the series and I can't wait to read the next one.
4 stars.
Eve is a great character. I liked that she was unwilling to compromise on justice but her hesitancy in playing politics annoyed me a bit - felt like a contradiction. I mean she leapfrogged everyone to get into homicide and it feels a bit like a betrayal to back away from that and say she's not interested or aware of politics - because that's a lie. On the other hand it was kind of pure Eve - she's a flawed individual with her own problems and insecurities and perceptions of what a good person should and shouldn't be - so maybe it actually fit her to a t. I liked that she was willing to own up to her mistakes and admit to not knowing things but trying her best to learn and adapt and improve. Besides Duncan sums her up best.
“But he didn’t. That’s all that matters. You’re always going to make mistakes in an investigation, especially when you’re new. It’s called ‘learning from experience.’ I’m not worried about your skills as a detective. You’ve got a gift. I’m worried about your skills as a person.” “You’re saying I’m a terrible person?”
“You’re not evil,” Duncan said. “You’re just self-destructive and not very likable.”
“Gee, thanks.”
Goldberg, Lee. Bone Canyon (Eve Ronin) (p. 263). Thomas & Mercer. Kindle Edition.
I liked her embrace her looks towards the end with the help of Burnside (who I also really liked) and will be interested to see where that goes in the next book. I did like that it was explained why she was so against the idea of a tv show - she doesn't want her parents to 'win' - if she does a show - they'll be involved and that's their dream - even though they've made her life hell. Frankly - I liked the pettiness of it. Eve tries to be a good person but she's not an angel - she has thoughts and feelings. I adored Jen (Eve's mother) and her meddling. Her ideas on acting and politics and Eve's behaviour is hilarious.
The mystery was interesting. For all Sabrina Morton is dead, Goldberg really sold her as a fully formed person.
Eve put the phone away. “What did Sabrina do with the drawing?”
“She went to Topanga Beach, Surfrider Beach, Zuma . . . showing the tattoo to every surfer she could find, hoping somebody would give her a name. She was only at it an hour or so before a deputy got word somehow, pulled her over, and told her what she was doing was stupid and dangerous. Sabrina told him to fuck off, that if the cops weren’t going to do anything about it, she would,” Josie said, smiling at the memory. “That was Sabrina. But it was all bravado. She came home and cried for three hours. She felt helpless.”
Sabrina wasn’t helpless, Eve thought. Far from it. She was unwilling to be a silent victim and fought for herself, loud and strong, not just against her attackers, but against the detective who didn’t believe her.
Goldberg, Lee. Bone Canyon (Eve Ronin) (p. 66). Thomas & Mercer. Kindle Edition.
Daniel was alright - the romance between them didn't escalate to extremes - they just like each other and progress as is. I liked that he was an anthropologist and his dedication to his job. I loved his suggestion of what to buy a five year old - a treasure hunting kit - hide some fake jewellery and gold, etc in the backyard and provide the kids with a sieve, bucket, shovel, etc for them to dig up. I've got to remember that for my niece and nephew.
Overall I just really enjoyed this addition to the series. I'm only disappointed the next book isn't out until October 2021. That's ages away. I was lucky I happened to pick up Lost Hills, the first book in the series, the day before Bone Canyon was released or I would have been very sad. Anyway, great book, highly recommend. 4.5 stars.
The mystery itself was riveting. I didn't see the end coming and it had me chuckling.
Goldberg, Lee. Lost Hills (Eve Ronin Book 1) (p. 53). Kindle Edition.
I loved when Eve stood up for herself against Biddle and Garvey. I think it was my favourite scene.
“After Sheriff Lansing saw you on the news last night,” Duncan said.
“Translation,” Biddle said. “You get to run the task force because you’re young, you have nice tits, and were in a viral video that got great PR for the department in the middle of the county jail shitstorm.” Garvey added, “As opposed to one of the detectives who’ve actually spent years grinding away and solving homicides and know what the fuck they’re doing.”
“Stop whining. This isn’t new,” she said, getting in his face. “That’s the way you’ve felt since I walked in the door three months ago.”
Garvey wasn’t intimidated. “What did you expect? A standing ovation from the guys who actually earned their promotions?”
“No, Tubbs, this is exactly what I expected.” Eve stepped away from him and shifted her gaze between the three men. “Because it’s the same sexist attitude that would have shut me out of Robbery-Homicide for another ten years . . . and that I still would have faced if I ever got in. So I used the leverage that video gave me to get myself here overnight. Did I leapfrog over people who’ve been struggling to get into Robbery-Homicide for years and haven’t made it? Yes, I did. Do I care? Nope. Do I deserve to be here? It doesn’t matter because here I am, boys. You don’t like it? Too bad. Suck it up or get out. I’m sure the sheriff will give me two other detectives to replace you. They might even stay.”
The whole book wasn't perfect, but it was pretty damn good. A fantastic police procedural and start to a new series. 4 stars.